Hector "Macho" Camacho

Hector "Macho" Camacho

Hector Camacho Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 24, 2012.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Hector "Macho" Camacho, a Puerto Rican boxer known for skill and flamboyance in the ring as well as for a messy personal life and run-ins with the police, was declared dead on Saturday, four days after being shot in the face. He was 50.

Shot while sitting in a parked car outside a bar Tuesday with a friend in the city of Bayamon, he was declared dead at the Centro Medico trauma center in San Juan. The friend, 49-year-old Adrian Mojica Moreno, died at the scene of the shooting. Police said Mojica had nine small bags of cocaine in his pocket and a 10th bag was found open in the car.

Originally from Bayamon, just outside San Juan, Camacho was long regarded as a flashy if volatile talent, a skilled boxer who was perhaps overshadowed by his longtime foil, Mexican superstar Julio Cesar Chavez, who would beat him in a long-awaited showdown in Las Vegas in 1992.

Camacho fought professionally for three decades, from his humble debut against David Brown at New York's Felt Forum in 1980 to an equally forgettable swansong against Sal Duran in Kissimmee, Florida, in 2010.

In between, he fought some of the biggest stars spanning two eras, including Sugar Ray Leonard, Felix Trinidad, Oscar De La Hoya and Roberto Duran.

"This is something I've done all my life, you know?" Camacho told The Associated Press after a workout in 2010. "A couple years back, when I was doing it, I was still enjoying it. The competition, to see myself perform. I know I'm at the age that some people can't do this no more."

Camacho's family moved to New York when he was young and he grew up in Spanish Harlem, which at the time was rife with crime. Camacho landed in jail as a teenager before turning to boxing, which for many kids in his neighborhood provided an outlet for their aggression.

Former featherweight champion Juan Laporte, a friend since childhood, described Camacho as "like a little brother who was always getting into trouble," but otherwise combined a friendly nature with a powerful jab.

"He's a good human being, a good hearted person," Laporte said as he waited with other friends and members of the boxer's family outside the hospital in San Juan after the shooting. "A lot of people think of him as a cocky person but that was his motto ... inside he was just a kid looking for something."

Laporte lamented that Camacho never found a mentor outside the boxing ring.

"The people around him didn't have the guts or strength to lead him in the right direction," Laporte said. "There was no one strong enough to put a hand on his shoulder and tell him how to do it."

Drug, alcohol and other problems trailed Camacho after the prime of his boxing career. He was sentenced in 2007 to seven years in prison for the burglary of a computer store in Mississippi. While arresting him on the burglary charge in January 2005, police also found the drug ecstasy.

A judge eventually suspended all but one year of the sentence and gave Camacho probation. He wound up serving two weeks in jail, though, after violating that probation.

Camacho's former wife, Amy, obtained a restraining order against him in 1998, alleging he threatened her and one of their children. The couple, who had two children at the time, later divorced.

He divided his time between Puerto Rico and Florida in recent years, appearing on Spanish-language television as well as on a reality show called "Es Macho Time!" on YouTube.

Inside the boxing ring, Camacho flourished. He won three Golden Gloves titles as an amateur, and after turning pro, he quickly became a contender with an all-action style reminiscent of other Puerto Rican fighters.

Long promoted by Don King, Camacho won his first world title by beating Rafael Limon in a super-featherweight bout in Puerto Rico on Aug. 7, 1983. He moved up in weight two years later to capture a lightweight title by defeating Jose Luis Ramirez, and successfully defended the belt against fellow countryman Edwin Rosario.

The Rosario fight, in which the victorious Camacho still took a savage beating, persuaded him to scale back his ultra-aggressive style in favor of a more cerebral, defensive approach.

The change in style was a big reason that Camacho, at the time 38-0, lost a close split decision to Greg Haugen at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas in 1991.

Camacho won the rematch to set up his signature fight against Chavez, this time at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. Camacho was roundly criticized for his lack of action, and the Mexican champion won a lopsided unanimous decision to retain the lightweight title.

It was at that point that Camacho became the name opponent for other rising contenders, rather than the headliner fighting for his own glory.

He lost a unanimous decision to another young Puerto Rican fighter, Trinidad, and was soundly defeated by De La Hoya. In 1997, Camacho ended Leonard's final comeback with a fifth-round knockout. It was Camacho's last big victory even though he boxed for another decade.

"Hector was a fighter who brought a lot of excitement to boxing," said Ed Brophy, executive director of International the Boxing Hall of Fame. "He was a good champion. Roberto Duran is kind of in a class of his own, but Hector surely was an exciting fighter that gave his all to the sport."

The fighter's last title bout came in 1997 against welterweight champion Oscar De La Hoya, who won by unanimous decision. Camacho's last fight was his defeat by Duran in May 2010. He had a career record of 79-6-3.

DANICA COTO,Associated Press
DAVID SKRETTA,Associated Press


Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Sign Hector Camacho's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 28, 2023

Lourdes Rivera posted to the memorial.

December 2, 2020

Eamo Clyne Khadi Madama posted to the memorial.

November 22, 2018

christopher shanahan posted to the memorial.

911 Entries

Lourdes Rivera

September 28, 2023

May you RIParadise. My prayers

Eamo Clyne Khadi Madama

December 2, 2020

The global Boxing community misses this exciting Boxer very much. May he be in Boxer's Paradise.

To you ! macho time always !

christopher shanahan

November 22, 2018

I miss you always never forgoten champ never ! RIP !

Lucy Hernandez

August 3, 2016

Still thinking of u, and prayer's for your family .

Valenda Newell

June 26, 2016

You shook the boxing world up with your extra decorated trunks and dance steps. Boxing came alive with you....its boring without you.....MISS YOUR PIZZAZZ...RIP...

Valenda Newell

June 26, 2016

You changed how boxers dressed and how boxers came into the ring. I loved all the dancing and pizzazz that came with you....boxing is boring without you....THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES...RIP

Rita CorreA

November 23, 2013

May u rest in peace always. Hope this candle help u find everything u deserve in heaven. A fan Always ?????

Rest in the Loving Peace of the Lord

Gladys Fonseca-Matos

November 23, 2013

In Loving Memory to a person whom was loved by so many and the love continues on ! You are missed by many but your legend will always be in the hearts of all ! May the Lord keep you at peace always and may your family find comfort with our dear Lord !

Lucy Hernandez

November 18, 2013

Still praying for the family.

Lucy Hernandez

October 31, 2013

Still in my ?

Yolanda Osorio

October 12, 2013

My deepest sympathy & condolences to all his Family. May Hector Macho Camacho Rest In Peace. Amen.

star Albaneses-Grissom

October 5, 2013

Still missing a wonderful fighter, God has you safe from all evils here on earth. Now you are the angle for your family and love ones and friends.

lucy hernandez

September 4, 2013

Always thinking of your family!

lucy hernandez

August 12, 2013

Miss you stll!

Isabel Montiel

May 15, 2013

This is a great loss to the boxing world. Truly loved to see Hector "Macho" Camacho at his best. He will truly be missed! May he rest in peace! Love a big fan, Isabel

January 25, 2013

Lord be with your family.

Lucy Hernandez

January 23, 2013

Still? missing you??

Richard Azoro

January 20, 2013

Que pasa??????

Richard Azoro

January 20, 2013

Cant believe im writing this....yr flamboyance and chrisma will never be matched.. truly a boxing great... glad u were in my life time.. RIP

December 31, 2012

A true champ...crazy but is always macho time.

Carmelita Rivera

December 17, 2012

Today we feel the lost of a man that gave it all to fighting and the Championship Boxing, now he's in heaven guiding and being that extraordinary person he was, Puerto Rico will never forget you. RIP from Carmelita & Victor Rivera.

dee marcano

December 9, 2012

Always a champion. Macho Camacho it's. Macho time always luv ur smile and the look u miss u macho

Micaela

December 9, 2012

...and God said "It's Macho Time!" R.I.P to one of the GREATEST boxers of all time and the NICEST man you ever had the chance to meet!

michele payne

December 7, 2012

you will always be mist we love you always prayer go out to you and your family

Martinez family

December 6, 2012

God bless ..
......u will always be remembered our prayers go out to you

Kevin Aylor

December 6, 2012

RIP Macho Man!!

Mary Alvarez

December 6, 2012

May you Rip !!

REGGIE NELSON

December 6, 2012

... RWG CAMACHO, took a pic with u in Atlantic city.... always valued it..

December 6, 2012

Rip

Susan Jones

December 5, 2012

God's blessing too the family

Susan Jones

December 5, 2012

He was a great Boxer ? he'll be missed

Elsie Mitchell

December 5, 2012

My condolences to the family!

December 5, 2012

Please accept my condolences. May John 5:28,39 bring hope .

robert chung

December 5, 2012

R i p macho!!!! One of the greats

December 5, 2012

My Condolesents to The Camacho Family .

Evelyn Falcon

December 4, 2012

Rest in peace...

OLGA POWELL

December 4, 2012

MI MAS SENTIDO PESAME A LA FAM CAMACHO;DE QUE DIOS LES DE DE LA FORTALEZA; EN ESTE TIEMPO TAN DIFICIL;QUE DESCANSE EN PAZ; EL CAMPEON!!!

Lucy Hernandez

December 4, 2012

You will be miss

Nancy Miranda

December 4, 2012

RIP

jay

December 4, 2012

R.I.P. Macho Camacho

December 4, 2012

LOVE YOU!

Lettie Wung

December 4, 2012

A good boxer gone but not forgotten.

sanji

December 3, 2012

HECTOR YOU WERE A TRUE CHAMPION - OUR CONDOLENCES TO YOUR MOMMI, YOUR CHILDREN AND THE REST OF YOUR FAMILY

michael bowley

December 3, 2012

u will be missed dearly i've learned alot from you

December 3, 2012

We never understand why things happen the way they do? I dont believe you deserved to die like this. It looks like you were another person that gave everything in life. Thats why God, call you in early. You had disappointments in your life, but also you pick up yourself. I remember since I was a kid. My dad being a Mexican use to say," you were a very good fighter. Dios te tenga en su Santa Gloria, Viva 'El CHAMP" RIP HECTOR "MACHO" CAMACHO. Seguurrrrrrooooo

Annie Flores

December 3, 2012

Rip macho camacho u always gonna b miss n never forgotten u always gonna b #1 boxer champion.i love u macho camacho u always made me laugh on tv but I wish I coudve met u in person ur the greatest n now u in a better place.n always in my heart.now u will b ur mother sisters brothers n ur kids guardian angel forever.

Feicia Ledesma

December 3, 2012

RIP CHAMP

Y McCoy

December 3, 2012

My condolences to the Hector Camacho Family. We all look forward to the day when Isaiah 60:18 is fulfilled "No more will violence be heard in your land." Until that time may you find comfort in the fond memories.

December 3, 2012

All my prayers! God bless you and keep you strong!

Paola Mendez

December 3, 2012

Rest in peace my dear friend, may you be in the arms of god.

December 3, 2012

I had the honor of meeting hector at the WBC convention held at the Mandalay hotel and casino in Dec. of 2011 and as always he was more than happy to take a photo and was extremely nice. One of the greatest

Luis Rivera

December 3, 2012

R.i.p campeon! You still the best.

lo

December 3, 2012

Macho camacho there will never be another one como tu not only boxing your charisma Rest in el cielo con los angelitos Dios te. Bendiga tu madre mucho oracioes bonito

Kim Laramore

December 2, 2012

R.I.P Hector. Thank you for
entertaining us for so many years. To his family and friends God Bless You All during this difficult time.

Patty Noel

December 2, 2012

Rest in peace. God bless your family.

Roberto Eutize

December 2, 2012

Prayers and farewell to my favorite boxer.

Brenda Eutize

December 2, 2012

R.I.P. Camacho. Sending my prayers to the family. God bless you all.

jan dowling

December 2, 2012

You will always be the champ, God bless.

Valerie Hatcher

December 2, 2012

R.I.P!!! I had beautiful times watching you box. Truly a great boxer. You will be truly missed.

Mary Davitt-Bocchino

December 2, 2012

Someone with such talent, God Bless all who loved him.

December 2, 2012

I'm sorry we could not make it . But I want to remember you in life. Love you brother- in-law....Betsy Camacho and Booboo, Kisha, Felix Jr.

Conrado Flores

December 2, 2012

RIP Hector Camacho. You were a great Champion. You will be missed Boricua. Jehovah God bless his Kids & Family and see them thru this hard times.

December 2, 2012

R-I-P CHAMPION !!!

December 2, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

manly miley

December 2, 2012

r.i.p to a real king of the ring

kinney mccord

December 2, 2012

To the family.god has you.mr. camacho, for myself growing up, was everything.i remember seeing him on abc on saturday afternoon's, as well as hbo.your son, your father, was a trend setter. i know first hand, what you guys are going through.My older cousin Vernon Forest, who also was a pro boxer was tragically killed in Atlanta, ga. It's still hard for us..love you guys.Be strong

Lynda Rouddbaugh

December 2, 2012

RIP!

December 1, 2012

R.I.P. MACHO. GONE TO SOON.I WISH THE FAMILY A LOT OF LOVE.

jb peace

December 1, 2012

gangster made hero

Johnny Villagrana

December 1, 2012

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Eugene Pratt

December 1, 2012

My sincerest condolences to your family. It was a pleasure to have met you.

December 1, 2012

Para Hector y su querida familia SEGURO nunca te vamos a olvidar, SEGURO que siempre estaras en nuestros corazones,Descansa en la paz del nuestro senor.

Manny Vega

December 1, 2012

Rest in peace

Marcelina Rodriguez

December 1, 2012

RIP

Sandy Camacho

December 1, 2012

RIP

Arnie Silva

December 1, 2012

Mi Mas Cinsero pesame a la Familia. Fortaleza !

December 1, 2012

I hate to here about the death of people other family members care so much about

December 1, 2012

I am sorry to hear about your loss. the bible can be of some comfort at john 3: 16

J Allyn Brown

December 1, 2012

To the family of Hector Camacho:
I am sorry to hear of the publicized report of Hector's passing. We offer our condolences to you all. Despite the one sided view that was presented by the media please understand God's view of the matter at Isaiah 55:9. God's thoughts and ways are higher than what man can see, so he saw more than what the media presented to us.

December 1, 2012

May you find comfort in the Hearer of prayer at this time. Psalm 65:2

June DessoThibault

December 1, 2012

God Bless all of you going through this senseless tragedy. As a child I watched Hector fight with my Dad and he was simply one of the best. May he find solace on his final journey.

Ana Anuschka Lopez

December 1, 2012

May God have you in his glory, peace Macho.

M.Victoria Valdez

December 1, 2012

GodBless you
prayers r`
in serene
silence
rip~Hector~

Mida Rios

December 1, 2012

Rest in Peace Macho Man!

Mida Rios

December 1, 2012

We have not only lost a great boxer but a great person! May your soul rest in peace! I was lucky to have known you & your kind heart! Rest in peace!

November 30, 2012

Sorry to hear about the death of your loved one, Please read Psalms Chapter 55 Verse 22.

robert martinez

November 30, 2012

so sorry for your loss. he was a great fighter. our thoughts and prayers are with you.

roberto fetter

November 30, 2012

Hector was a very kind person that will be truly missed .Our prayers go out to his family.

L. Ellis

November 30, 2012

Sincere condolences to the family!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

sam phillips,jr

November 30, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

VRS.

November 30, 2012

Sorry about your loss,may God give your family comfort in this time of need.The scripture Ecclesiastes 3:11 says specifically "Even time indefinite he has put in their heart". We hope to see our love ones again very soon.

Noemi Adames

November 30, 2012

Gracias campeón por poner el nombre de Puerto Rico siempre en alto RIP campeon.

Ventura Peña

November 30, 2012

Descansa en paz! Siempre te recordaremos. Para Siempre

Adam Steenius

November 30, 2012

The Sweet Science Legend. Respect from NYC.

MARIE DAUNOY

November 30, 2012

i'M SO SORRY THAT THAT HAPPEN TO YOU, I'M VERY SADDEN

ZORAIDA HERNANDEZ

November 30, 2012

MACHO CAMACHO MI MAS SENTIDO PESAME PARA TU MAMA, EX-ESPOSA E HIJOS Y HNAS SE TE QUISO Y ADMIRAMOS MUCHO DESDE MIRA QUIEN BAILA SIGUE DESDE ALLA DISFRUTANDO EL CIELO QUE LO TIENES GANADO COMO CUBANA TE QUISE Y ADMIRE MUCHO AMO A LOS PUERTORRIQUEÑOS ENORMEMENTE QUE DIOS LE A TU FAMILIA EL COMFORT Y PAZ NECESARIA UN BESO GDE PARA TI DE UNA ABUELA QUE TE ADMIRO MUCHO

Robin Puetz

November 30, 2012

Carsers palace , Cristal with strawberries will never be the same
You will be sadly missed
Will miss your smile and laughter
For the 20 plus years of knowing you
Love FLACA,NADINE, & ROBIN

ramon esparza

November 30, 2012

RIP CHAMP

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Sign Hector Camacho's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 28, 2023

Lourdes Rivera posted to the memorial.

December 2, 2020

Eamo Clyne Khadi Madama posted to the memorial.

November 22, 2018

christopher shanahan posted to the memorial.